Problems with Landlord

Annie_Mack

Hi Everyone,

Firstly let me say - I have had arrears on my rent but have always tried to sort those. Probably not seen as your model tenant for that reason! However, my landlord isn't exactly reasonable or professional as I have come to find out. I was issued with a Section 21 requiring possession, no reason given and have continued to pay my rent whilst looking for somewhere else.

I have several issues in my opinion.

The first is no Gas Safety cert, I asked back in May 2014 and was informed that new gas fitter being used and would be along to sort out the leaking boiler and the gas cert,(wasn't really aware that this should be a yearly thing until then but to my knowledge never even had one when I moved in) anyway, still waiting, boiler still leaking water everywhere (emptying 2 buckets a day) and now for the last month no hot water but radiators still working - lucky we have an electric shower!

I advised on the no hot water issue but got a blank look so didn't pay rent on 1st of this month hoping this would get a speedy visit from an engineer, nothing of the sort happened and today landlord banging on door and blocked my car in on the drive and left their car there so I wasn't able to get out. Told me they would move when I paid, so of course I had to make the payment or no school run (guess they knew this).

When I have been late with payment the landlord instead of contacting me and asking if there is an issue has gone to the agency I work for and spoken directly to my supervisor. This has of course caused issues. I have asked the LL not to do this but was basically sworn at and told they'll do whatever they want. Surely I am entitled to confidentiality, I have never signed anything to say I would allow access to a 3rd party for chasing payments.

I moved in while the LL was using an agent and paid my deposit to them (I do have proof of this) they then went out of business (apparently) and the LL started collecting themselves but it appears my deposit has not been protected and I fall within the period when it should have been.

I have also been advised (by a so called 'friend' of theirs) that the mortgage on the property is residential. This may be a reason that all the Mortgage Statements come here every year. I only know what they are as one year I gave the LL the letter and it was opened in front of me and they clearly left it by mistake so the same letter appears every year (5 in total now I have received)

I am in the process of getting another property (downsizing) and advised the LL of this, I suggested that if I moved mid month then I would proportion any rent due. I was met with that I will be chased for any damages caused, of which there are none, just general wear and tear and that is to be expected on a tenancy of 6+ years now and especially when the LL has not made inspections or rectified any faults or issues that have arisen, I have done some minor repairs myself but have not been able to sort major problems such as drainage in back garden which is a permanent bog (LL advised on this for years), totally un-useable.

I was told that I would be tracked down and made bankrupt for any monies owed for repairs and that a Solicitor will do this. I said I am quite prepared to give you my forwarding address as I'm not going into hiding, I have no reason to.

I can't wait to leave as you can imagine as the stress this is causing is horrendous. I am almost afraid to report the above to anyone for fear of repercussions.

Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

Thanks in advance

benjus

What do you want to achieve here? Your landlord sounds like a right idiot and you're best without him. Do you just want to get out, or are you trying to land him in trouble? Which part of the UK are you?

A few points:
1. Withholding rent is only acceptable if done through a specific procedure: http://england.shelter.org.uk/legal/housing_conditions/taking_action_on_disrepair/withholding_rent

2. The lack of gas safety certificate should be reported to the HSE who can take action against the landlord.

3. There is no legal right to split a rent period - they are considered indivisible. If you wish to leave before the end of a rent period and the landlord is not prepared to negotiate, you will just have to write off the rest of the rent period.

4. If the landlord harasses you, or holds your car ransom until you pay your rent, call the police

5. Don't worry about threats of bankrupting you. First he'll have to convince a judge that you owe him money (which sounds unlikely), and take enforcement action against you if you still refuse to pay.

6. You could send the post from the mortgage company back as "Not at this address". You could also give HMRC a call - if he hasn't bothered doing anything else legally, he may not have declared his rental income.

Pixie5740

If you don't have one already, get a carbon monoxide alarm pronto. They're inexpensive and could potentially save your life.

benjus has pretty much covered everything and the only thing I'll add is that if you wanted to make waves for the LL you could report the lack of GSC to HSE. I think it's a criminal offence not to have and supply on to the tenant.

It just depends on what you want to achieve.